The holidays are a time when schedules seem to go out the window. Older babes who are well established with solids may be pillaging every plate they see. And Auntie or Granddad or Cousin are probably all too happy to share.

This is how accidental holiday weaning happens. You may notice that your babe has gone from nursing 8 or more times a day, down to just once or twice. For a young babe under one year, this switch to mostly solids can be hard on the still developing digestive system. Whats more, a young babe may not get enough fluids if many nursings have been replaced with solid food. Human milk should be the primary source of nutrition until the first birthday, with solids gradually being integrated according to the WHO and AAP. So how do you moderate?

1. Let your family know your baby’s needs before the food comes to the table. An ounce of prevention can prevent pounds of uncomfortable diapers.

2. Blame the Doc. If family members insist on feeding your babe, say the pediatrician said No.

3. Diaper fake out. Take your baby into a quiet room for a “diaper change” so you can nurse and have some down time.

4. Nurse before you get out of the car. You’ll walk into the party with a full baby.

5. Make up for missed nursings at night. Your baby may wake more often to nurse at night if you’re staying away from home. Use this as an opportunity to get vital milk into him.

6. Let your baby feed herself at family meal time. She can pace her intake according to her own hunger. Plus, messy sweet potato face photos will be a great keepsake.

Have some tips to add?